Hospice to host grief camp for youths and adults

Monday

Sep 9, 2013 at 11:58 AM

The grieving process often involves an emotional journey that lacks direction, especially with children.

BY DWIGHT DAVISThe Dispatch

The grieving process often involves an emotional journey that lacks direction, especially with children.A free one-day camp called Bridges of Hope, hosted by Hospice of Davidson County, is designed for youths in first through 10th grades and their parents who have suffered a loss.While this marks the third year of the camp, it is the first one that incorporates parents' involvement with their children."Parents understand the grief needs of their children better than anyone," reasons Rhonda Davis, Hospice of Davidson bereavement counselor and director of the camp.Those involved will have opportunities to express their feelings while interacting and gaining support from peers who are also experiencing a similar loss.Some activities are catered to youths, such as creative play and pet therapy. Music, sharing of stories and intergenerational activities are designed to combine the interests of parents, children and teenagers. Skilled Hospice of Davidson County staff, qualified community leaders and trained volunteers will lead the sessions.The day will conclude with a balloon release, which Davis describes as "a very moving experience."Davis, who is sometimes called to schools to counsel students when they experience a personal loss, says the processing of grief is unique to each individual. The manner in which adults cope with grief impacts the way children and teenagers grieve. "It helps to have adults involved in their lives," she said. "The whole family experience is important. It is also important for adults to have grief support."The most typical losses for youths are parents, grandparents and siblings.While any loss is tragic, the loss of a peer may cause extreme distress for a child or teenager. Davis says in those situations, youths may go though a wide range of emotions."Peer losses are very tough losses. In any of those cases, the guidance needs to go deeper. Children can have multiple emotions, and that can be especially confusing for them."Davis finds that one initial counseling approach works well in most cases. "It depends on the situation, but I find that empathic listening is a good approach. I try to engage responses and hear the concerns. We try to let the person know that whatever they are feeling it's OK to feel that way. Every person is different. We want them to understand they shouldn't feel judged or criticized by the way they feel. Children are especially sensitive. We want them to feel they are in a safe place and try to learn to bear the unbearable."Typical interventions for children Davis uses include play therapy, art therapy and Jungian sand tray therapy.Parents are encouraged to attend the event with their children. A free lunch will be provided.Bridges of Hope will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 28 on the Hospice of Davidson County campus, 200 Hospice Way, which is located off U.S. Highway 64 East.Advance registration is required. To register, call 475-5444 prior to Sept. 20 or visit the website at www.hospiceofdavidsoon.org and download the registration form. Dwight Davis can be reached at 249-3981, ext, 226 or at dwight.davis@the-dispatch.com.

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